de Nys Family Memorial
Established by the de Nys family to honour their parents’ legacy and support educational equity for students in and around Mount Gambier.
The de Nys Family Memorial Scholarship Sub Fund was established in 2009 by the extended de Nys family to honour the lives of Gerrit and Jansje de Nys—Dutch immigrants who arrived in Australia with their eight children and built a legacy of resilience, opportunity and family unity.
Launched with seed capital of $50,000 following a family reunion commemorating their arrival 50 years earlier, the fund supports students from low-income or disadvantaged backgrounds who identify with the greater Mount Gambier area. Scholarships may assist with primary, secondary or tertiary education, helping reduce financial barriers and open doors to learning.
An Advisory Committee of family members helps guide the fund’s direction and recommends worthy recipients. The fund is a living tribute to Gerrit and Jansje’s foresight and sacrifice, ensuring that future generations benefit from the same spirit of opportunity that shaped their journey.
Stand Like Stone is proud to steward this sub fund, which continues to grow through family contributions and community support.
Related news
Keep up to date with all the latest news at Stand Like Stone Foundation with everything from new sponsors to developments around grants and scholarships for the people and communities of the Limestone Coast, plus updates on our exciting events.
Stars of Swinging with the Stars 2026 announced
It's time to reveal the eight local Stars who will take to the dancefloor for Swinging with the Stars 2026, the region’s much‑loved fundraising event celebrating courage, community and connection.
Scholarships empower Limestone Coast students to study in 2026
Local students share in $96,700 of scholarships supporting study and strengthening the future of the Limestone Coast.
Young Philanthropists Celebrated Across the Limestone Coast
Stand Like Stone recognises students who lead with kindness, courage and generosity.
Limestone Coast students provided with a funding boost for study in 2025
Stand Like Stone announces its annual educational scholarships. With the region’s students now back to school and university, Stand Like Stone are delighted to announce that 42 scholarships totalling $87,800 have been offered to students right across the Limestone Coast.
Explore other funds
Dr Sue Charlton AM Memorial
Established in memory of Dr Sue Charlton AM, this sub‑fund supports initiatives that promote healthy hip development in babies born in or connected to the Limestone Coast.
Keith & District Healthcare Future Fund
Supporting charitable projects that benefit and future-proof the hospital and healthcare in Keith and district in honour of Mig Brookman.
CCW Memorial
Supporting disadvantaged students and the Millicent High School Pathways Centre through charitable grants and activities.
Keith Area School
Supporting past, present and future Keith Area School students to pursue secondary and tertiary education.
Kingston Community School
Supporting past, present and future Kingston Community School students to pursue secondary and tertiary education.
Grant High School
Supporting past, present and future Grant High School students to pursue secondary and tertiary education.
Millicent High School
Supporting past, present and future Millicent High School students to pursue secondary and tertiary education.
Mount Gambier High School
Supporting past, present and future Mount Gambier High School students to pursue secondary and tertiary education.
Brian Page Focis on Youth
Supporting educational opportunities for young people across the Limestone Coast, in honour of philanthropist Brian Page.
Monbulla School Hall Community Development
Supporting charitable organisations in the Penola Coonawarra district to build long-term sustainability.
Monbulla School Hall Youth Support
Established to assist young people connected to the greater Penola Coonawarra region who face financial barriers to education or skills development.
South East Disaster Relief
Supporting disaster relief and resilience-building initiatives across the Limestone Coast.
Lucindale Area School
Supporting students connected to Lucindale Area School to pursue education from early years through to tertiary study.
Limestone Coast Agri-Links Mental Health
Supporting mental health awareness and wellbeing in rural communities across the Limestone Coast.
Naracoorte Seeds
Supporting charitable projects that strengthen rural communities and outcomes across the Limestone Coast.
Poppy Crozier Memorial
Honouring Poppy’s love of the land by supporting agricultural education for Limestone Coast students.
Stand Like Stone General Fund
Supporting charitable projects and educational scholarships that benefit communities and students across the Limestone Coast.
Penola Coonawarra Wellbeing
Supporting charitable projects in the Penola and Coonawarra region through a lasting community legacy.
Stand Like Stone Operations
Help power Stand Like Stone’s operations so we can continue supporting the Limestone Coast—now and into the future.
Beachport
Supporting charitable projects that benefit the Beachport community and surrounding area.
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We acknowledge the Aboriginal people as the First Nations of these lands and waters of the Limestone Coast. We acknowledge the Elders, past, present and future, and we respect the ongoing deep feelings of attachment and relationships of First Nations people to country.
Artwork by Aunty Michelle Jacquelin-Furr depicting the waterholes, landforms and stones of the Limestone Coast.
